This White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavors of white chocolate with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and velvety cheesecake filling, and a beautiful topping of fresh strawberries and white chocolate drizzle, this cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests. Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to create a stunning and delicious cheesecake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups
- Melted butter: ⅓ cup
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
For the Filling:
- Cream cheese: 16 oz (450 g), softened
- White chocolate chips: 1 cup, melted and cooled
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Eggs: 3 large
- Fresh strawberries: 1 cup, diced
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries: ½ cup, sliced
- White chocolate chips: ¼ cup, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that your cheesecake bakes evenly.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup of melted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base for your cheesecake.
- Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This step helps to set the crust, providing a sturdy foundation for the filling. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Making the Filling
- Prepare the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a velvety texture in your cheesecake.
- Add the White Chocolate: Gradually add the melted and cooled white chocolate chips (1 cup) to the cream cheese, mixing until well incorporated. The white chocolate adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the strawberries.
- Incorporate the Sugar and Vanilla: Add ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture. Continue to beat until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Eggs: Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and homogeneous filling and prevents any lumps from forming.
- Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of diced fresh strawberries. Make sure the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the filling to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake
- Pour the Filling: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open. Let it cool gradually inside the oven for about 1 hour. This slow cooling process helps prevent cracking and allows the cheesecake to set properly.
Step 4: Chilling and Topping
- Refrigerate: After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling period is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up to the perfect consistency.
- Prepare the Topping: Before serving, top the cheesecake with ½ cup of sliced fresh strawberries. Melt ¼ cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the strawberries for an elegant and delicious finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Chilled: Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Pair with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Garnish with Mint: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Melt Chocolate Carefully: When melting white chocolate, do it slowly in the microwave or over a double boiler to prevent it from seizing.
- Avoid Overbaking: The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center when you turn off the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill Well: Allow plenty of time for chilling in the refrigerator. The longer it chills, the better the texture and flavor.
Enjoy this creamy, dreamy White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake that’s perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to impress your guests with its beautiful layers and delicious flavors!
